Thursday, January 8, 2009

Maple Dijon Salmon

Like many other resoluters (or is it resolutites? resoluti?), I vowed to eat healthier this year. It's not that I need to lose weight or that my diet is really bad, but I know that I could stand to eat more vegetables, fish and beans and less desserts. Yes - dessert is really my weakness. I honestly would be happy to skip dinner most nights and head straight to dessert, but that's not exactly the best way to get your vitamins & nutrients!

This week, I brought a little bit of dessert to our dinner by making a maple Dijon salmon. It was quite simple and quite delicious. And since I served it with pea pods and broccoli & cheese rice - it fulfills 2 out 3 goals (more veggies & more fish).

DirectionsPreheat oven to 400 degree and spray 8 x 8 casserole dish with cooking spray.In a small saucepan, combine maple syrup, Dijon mustard and soy sauce. Whisk over medium heat 2-3 minutes until mixture is runny and ingredients are fully mixed.Place salmon steaks in casserole dish. Pour maple syrup mixture over steaks.Cook salmon in oven for 12-14 minutes until fully cooked, flipping steaks over 1/2 way through cooking. Remove skin from salmon before serving (it should pull off easily with tongs if salmon is fully cooked.)

I fully admit to using frozen pea pods & rice (Green Giant® makes some pretty good sides!). When you can't get fresh local vegetables, the frozen ones are a pretty good substitute. Not too mention quick & easy!

About Me

I'm Amber, a 30-something writer with a passion for food, wine, travel and good books. I'm a transplant from the Pioneer Valley in Massachusetts (hence the name "Valley Writer") now living in Southern California with my husband and two cats. I love trying out new recipe ideas and visiting interesting places, and sharing the best new finds with my friends, family--and the world!